Deep in the dense forest, a figure wobbled unsteadily between the trees.

She was a girl with long silver-white hair and eyes clear as sapphires.

Completely naked, her bare skin lay exposed—a captivating sight, unseen by any.

Yet something was off: she staggered as she walked, muttering faintly under her breath, as if possessed.

“I’m so hungry… so hungry… so hungry!”

A fierce craving burned in Nefu’s eyes. Freshly shaped into human form, she still struggled with walking upright—each step teetering on the edge of collapse.

Hungry. She needed food. Ever since slaughtering her pursuers, her stomach had felt hollow, yearning for something.

Suddenly, the waist-high grass rustled. A roar erupted—a massive bear lunged before her, drooling, eyes locked on her like she was helpless prey.

Clearly, it would pay for that instinct.

“F-Food?”

Her head turned with a mechanical jerk. For the first time, emotion flickered in her gaze. Perfect. She was starving.

*Squelch!*

The wet tear of flesh. The bear roared again—not a threat this time, but shock, rage, fear.

A bloodied spike retracted from behind her. Nefu flicked her crimson tongue over the sharp tip. A hint of pleasure crossed her face—gone in an instant. Her brows knotted; frost settled in her eyes.

“T-Too loud.”

The warm meat steadied her. Hunger dulled. At least for now.

Not delicious, but fresh. And her stomach wasn’t full.

She licked her lips. In a flash, tentacles erupted from her back, surging toward the bear. Hot blood sprayed.

Moments later, only a massive bear pelt remained. Beside it, Nefu wiped her mouth, satisfied.

Truly, nothing beat a meal of hot, fresh flesh.

Leaning lazily against a tree trunk, she ignored the blood staining her skin.

Only after eating could she think clearly.

So… was she the Little Prince now? Or a monster? The question surfaced—then vanished.

Gripping a tentacle sprouting from her back, the sharp sting snapped her awake. *No. She wasn’t Nefu the human. She was a monster.*

And she would trample those adventurers. Clenching her tiny fists, a strange flush rose on her cheeks.

Pressure built low in her belly. *What is this?*

She sifted through human memories. Ah—a normal bodily function…

Following instinct, she slipped into thick bushes, fumbling for the male organ she recalled. Nothing.

Odd. The memory didn’t match. Humans stood for this, right? Maybe she should…

The moment her muscles relaxed, warmth trickled down her thigh.

She stared at the glistening trail. Instinct whispered: *You did something wrong.*

As a Mimic beast—a monster species—Nefu’s mind surpassed most monsters. After devouring those humans, her thoughts rivaled an adult’s.

Yet lacking human common sense, her actions often seemed strange.

Just then, voices drifted from beyond the trees. Nefu ducked behind a trunk. Brown fur sprouted on her hands; sharp claws emerged at her joints—eerily like the bear’s.

*Humans? Good. I’m still hungry.*

Rubbing her flat stomach, she watched silently.

Three adventurers: two men, one woman. Weak. Prey at the bottom of the food chain.

Nefu’s eyes glinted. An idea formed.

“Lauren, you *sure* it’s here? Feels like a waste of time.”

“Trust me, Thia. I saw wild mandrake right here last time.”

The pair walked ahead, chatting. Behind them, a masked man scanned the woods.

“Lauren, Thia—wait.”

“What is it, Hans?”

“Someone’s behind that tree.”

Hans’s gaze locked on Nefu’s hiding spot, hand resting on his waist, muscles coiled tight.

*Found me…?* A chilling grin spread across Nefu’s lips. *Fine. Time to eat.*

Magic shimmered. A coat draped over her body. She stepped out from behind the tree.

Five minutes later…

“Mmm~ Mmm~ Mmm!!! So good!”

“Eat up, little sister! I’ve got plenty.”

Thia ruffled the silver hair of the girl in her arms and pulled another sandwich from her pack.

Nefu never imagined human food could taste like this. She’d meant to pounce—but the scent hooked her. Lauren’s group saw only a lost child.

Seeing her drool, Thia offered lunch. And now…

*Humans aren’t all bad. At least their food is.*

Finishing her sandwich, Nefu looked up at Thia with hopeful eyes.

“Want more? Here you go.”

Charmed by the girl’s expression, Thia handed over another. “Try this—fish cutlet. The last was chicken.”

“Thia… isn’t that *our* lunch?”

“Pfft, we’re adventurers! You two can hunt again.” She pouted playfully.

“Ugh, fine,” Lauren sighed, scratching his head—then froze. A cold dread prickled his spine. *From the girl.*

“Th-Thank you for the food… But you said you’re adventurers?”

Thia smiled down at her. “Of course! Wha—”

Her voice died.

The girl’s pupils had narrowed into vertical slits.

A tidal wave of terror crashed over them all.